Starts and ends
Madrid to Lisbon
Travel periods
October – March
Experience
Travel style
Cultural Delights and Gastronomic Marvels!
Tour Highlights:
- Day 2: Explore the heart of Madrid on a guided city tour, discovering iconic sites from Plaza Mayor to Gran Vía. Savour an authentic Welcome Tapas Dinner.
- Day 3: Journey to Burgos, visit the stunning 13th-century cathedral, and experience a traditional Rioja wine tasting in La Rioja.
- Day 4: Dive into modern art at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. In the evening, enjoy Basque "pintxos" at a local restaurant in Bilbao.
- Day 7: Discover Santiago de Compostela's sacred beauty with a guided tour. Explore the city's cobblestone streets at your leisure.
- Day 9: Cruise through the breathtaking Rias Baixas, sipping local wines and tasting mussels. Cross into Portugal and arrive in enchanting Porto.
- Day 10: Uncover Porto's treasures, including a Douro River Cruise and wine tasting in historic cellars.
Overview
This 16-day Iberian adventure offers a captivating blend of culture, history, and gastronomy. Explore iconic cities, sample world-class wines, and experience the soul-stirring sounds of Fado in a journey through Spain and Portugal’s most enchanting destinations.
Embark on this remarkable adventure, where each day unfolds like a captivating chapter, revealing the rich tapestry of Iberian culture, history, and culinary delights. Let the magic of Madrid, the charm of Porto, and the soulfulness of Santiago weave their way into your heart, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Guided city tour with local guides in Madrid, Bilbao, Santiago (Cathedral ticket included), Porto (including Douro River Cruise and Port wine tasting) & Lisbon / Wine tasting in La Rioja
- Welcome dinner in Madrid
- Pintxos Dinner in Bilbao
- Dinner and cider tasting in traditional cider house in Oviedo/
- Mussels and wine tasting in a Rias Baixas cruise
- Fado show and dinner in Lisbon
- Tour director throughout the journey
- Transportation in luxury coach
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the airport, you’ll be whisked away to your luxurious hotel, where you can unwind and dream of the adventures ahead.
- As the sun rises over Madrid, a guided city tour awaits you, taking you on a mesmerising journey through history and modernity.
- Immerse yourself in the enchanting districts of Barrio de la Morería and Hapsburgs, and witness the majesty of Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa.
- Discover the Madrid of the Bourbons and Charles III with its Royal Palace, Cibeles, and Neptuno Fountains, and the iconic Puerta de Alcalá.
- Marvel at the contemporary side of Madrid with its dazzling Gran Vía, Castellana, and Salamanca district.
- Your evening comes alive with an authentic Welcome Tapas Dinner at a local restaurant, where the flavors of Spain will dance on your taste buds.
A Journey through the Vineyards!
- Bid farewell to Madrid and set forth towards Burgos, where the splendid 13th-century gothic Cathedral awaits your awe.
- Continue your expedition into the heart of La Rioja, a wine lover’s paradise. Amidst picturesque vineyards, indulge in a traditional wine tasting at a family-run cellar, savouring the world-famous Rioja Reds.
- As the sun sets, arrive in the vibrant city of Bilbao, where modern architecture and ancient charm embrace in a waltz of beauty.
A Symphony of Art and Coastal Grace!
- Prepare for a day of architectural wonders in Bilbao, as you explore the city’s latest developments and stand in awe of the Guggenheim Museum’s contemporary brilliance.
- Journey to the glamorous coastal gem, San Sebastian, famed for its International Film Festival and breathtaking La Concha beach.
- Ascend Mount Igueldo for panoramic views, and let the city’s bourgeois charm enchant you.
- Tonight, embrace the Basque culinary tradition with a delectable “pintxos” dinner at a local hotspot.
From Santander to Oviedo!
- Traverse to the lush landscapes of Asturias, the Green Spain, and make a delightful stop in the charming fishing village of Castro Urdiales.
- Reach Santander, a captivating city nestled between the mountains and the sea, boasting the captivating Sardinero Beach.
- Your journey continues to Oviedo, where the pre-Romanic gem, Saint Maria de Naranco Church, awaits atop picturesque hills.
- Let the city’s World Heritage sites, like the majestic Cathedral, be your guide through Oviedo’s pedestrian streets.
- Conclude the day at a traditional cider house, savoring the finest local ciders.
A Sacred Pilgrimage!
- Embark on a spiritual pilgrimage to Covadonga, where you can pay homage to Our Lady of Covadonga and feel the serenity of the Sanctuary and Grotto.
- Journey to Lugo, a city steeped in history, where Roman remains, including the famous walls, tell tales of antiquity.
- Finally, reach Santiago de Compostela, the heart of Christian pilgrimages in Spain, where the illustrious Cathedral stands as a beacon of faith.
- Let the sacred atmosphere embrace you as you rest at your hotel.
- Prepare for a soul-stirring city tour, where Obradoiro Square and the magnificent Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago, will leave you breathless.
- The day unfolds at your leisure, giving you ample time to wander the narrow, cobblestone streets and soak in the soulful essence of Santiago de Compostela.
A Journey to Spanish Fjords and Portuguese Majesty!
- Today, embark on a scenic journey to the awe-inspiring Rias Baixas, the Spanish Fjords, where the enchanting Ria de Arosa awaits your exploration.
- Delight your senses with a cruise amidst picturesque landscapes and indulge in a wine and mussel tasting, truly savoring the flavors of the region.
- Cross into the captivating land of Portugal, where Porto, a city steeped in history and proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, opens its arms to welcome you.
Where Heritage Meets the Douro!
- Step into the past as you embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Porto, graced with wonders like the awe-inspiring Cathedral, Stock Exchange building, and Santa Clara church.
- The highlight of your day awaits as you set sail on a captivating Douro River Cruise, exploring famous Port Wine Cellars and relishing an exquisite wine tasting experience.
- The rest of the day is yours to explore Porto’s hidden corners and cherish unforgettable moments.
A Tale of Faith and Charm!
- Begin the day with a visit to Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and the birthplace of Fado music.
- Proceed to the sacred ground of Fatima, a world-renowned pilgrimage sanctuary, and pay your respects at the impressive Basilica and the Chapel of the Apparitions.
- As the day draws to a close, arrive in Lisbon, where ancient Olissipo meets vibrant Alfama Quarter, and a typical Portuguese dinner with a Fado show awaits your senses.
Discover Lisbon’s Treasures and Fado Nights!
- Join a morning city sightseeing tour, and let the magic of Lisbon’s squares, avenues, and historic landmarks fill your heart with wonder.
- In the afternoon, lose yourself in the charming corners of Alfama Quarter, where the past comes alive amid colourful buildings and authentic “tabernas.”
- Tonight, immerse yourself in the soulful world of Fado as you dine at one of the city’s oldest venues, surrounded by captivating cultural vibes.
- After a final breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to bid farewell to the captivating lands of Iberia.
- You’ll be transferred to the airport, where memories of a lifetime will accompany you on your journey home.